Help! I Found Worms in My Dogs Poop! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“I recently dewormed my Yorkshire Terrier Lucy with medication that I got from my local vet. After deworming her, she started coughing and appeared to be nauseous. This went away after a day or two. A few weeks later, I tried a natural remedy of ground-up papaya and pumpkin seeds, and I noticed what appeared to be some type of worm in her faeces—like long grains of rice. Does deworming with Milpro or similar products kill all worms, including the eggs, or does it only kill the adult worms?“ – Robert
Quick Info about Lucy
Hi Robert,
Thanks for being attentive to Lucy’s health. It’s not unusual for dogs to show brief signs like coughing or nausea after deworming, especially if there’s a significant parasite load. These signs often reflect the body’s response to the dying parasites and usually resolve quickly, as you observed. Natural remedies like papaya and pumpkin seeds are popular in holistic circles. Although there is, to my knowledge, only one preliminary study that provides promising evidence supporting their antiparasitic effects, they haven’t been scientifically proven to fully eliminate intestinal parasites. What you saw in Lucy’s stool resembling long grains of rice is most likely tapeworm segments, which are shed by the parasite as part of its life cycle. This is how they spread their eggs into the environment.
Milpro is a broad-spectrum dewormer that targets several adult intestinal worms, including roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. However, like most anthelmintic medications, it primarily kills adult worms as well as immature stages, not the eggs. That’s why repeat treatments or strategic timing based on the worm’s life cycle are necessary to break the cycle and prevent reinfestation. This is what we usually refer to as a deworming schedule. Tapeworms, in particular, are closely linked to fleas, so it’s important to also ensure consistent flea prevention. For a parasite control plan to truly be effective, it’s important to consider both the local parasite risks and your dog’s lifestyle. Factors like whether Lucy spends time outdoors, interacts with other animals, or lives in a high-risk area can all influence which approach is best. This is why seeking guidance from a veterinary professional is key to tailoring a plan that fits Lucy’s specific needs and environment.
For pet parents used to giving their dogs the same deworming chew month after month, it’s worth mentioning that parasites can gradually develop resistance if the same type of dewormer is used repeatedly over time. This is a public health concern, but rotating or combining treatments under veterinary supervision can help prevent this.
One last thing worth mentioning is that because parasites can easily spread between pets in the same household, it’s recommended to treat all animals in the home at the same time, even if only one is showing signs of an infestation. Considering all of these steps can make a big difference in keeping your pet healthy and parasite-free. I hope this helps!
Dr. Paola